Tag: agriculture and environment collaboration India Smruti Bhalerao

Kapil Sharma, Founder and Trustee of SayTrees Environmental Trust, and Lt Cdr Deokant Payasi (Retd.), Co Founder and Chief Executive Officer, outline how the Anantapur centre supports farmers and agroforestry

Following a recent mention by Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Mann Ki Baat, recognising its work in environmental restoration and lake rejuvenation, SayTrees Environmental Trust has launched its first soil testing facility in Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh. The initiative was announced on the occasion of Makar Sankranti and is aimed at supporting farmers linked to the organisation’s agroforestry programmes.
Makar Sankranti is a period when farmers prepare their land for the next agricultural season. In Andhra Pradesh, where soil is revered as Bhoomi Talli, the initiative has been positioned as a step toward strengthening both soil health and rural livelihoods. The Anantapur facility is designed to provide farmers with timely and accessible soil health insights to guide cultivation and plantation decisions.

The soil testing centre uses a technology enabled system capable of analysing key soil parameters, including pH levels, organic carbon, NPK nutrients, sulphur, and essential micronutrients. According to the organisation, the facility can generate clear soil health reports within an hour, enabling farmers to make informed decisions without long waiting periods.
Anantapur faces growing challenges linked to climate variability, soil degradation, and rising agricultural input costs. By helping farmers understand the specific requirements of their soil, the facility aims to reduce unnecessary fertiliser use, lower expenses, and improve crop and plantation outcomes.

The initiative also reflects SayTrees’ focus on inclusive and community led solutions. The facility is operated by an all women team, reinforcing the organisation’s emphasis on local participation. The project has been supported by Infosys, which will enable SayTrees to expand its outreach and support more than 15,000 farmers over the coming year.
SayTrees’ agroforestry programme works with farmers to integrate fruit bearing and native tree species into agricultural land. The approach is intended to improve soil quality, enhance water retention, and create long term income opportunities alongside conventional crops. To date, the organisation has partnered with thousands of farmers across India and facilitated the planting of millions of fruit trees.

The trust is also developing an enablement framework to support farmers transitioning to agroforestry. The plan includes farmer mobilisation, capacity building across partners, and the plantation of approximately 100 million trees on farmlands over the next five years. The initiative is expected to be implemented in collaboration with government bodies, non profit organisations, and corporate social responsibility partners.
Speaking about the initiative, Kapil Sharma, Founder and Trustee of SayTrees Environmental Trust, said that many farmers want to improve crop outcomes but are not always aware of what their soil requires. He noted that the facility is intended to support farmers and honour the land that sustains agricultural communities.

Lt Cdr Deokant Payasi (Retd.), Co Founder and Chief Executive Officer of SayTrees, said that healthy soil is central to a strong harvest and long term security for farmers. He added that providing farmers with the right knowledge about their land can help them reduce costs and approach farming decisions with greater confidence.
As part of its expansion plans, SayTrees intends to establish similar soil testing facilities in Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, extending support for agroforestry and climate resilient farming practices across additional regions.

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